AUBURN, Alabama -- Dealing with the frustration of a skid like the one Auburn's basketball team is dealing with right now is tough for both coaches and players.

But despite Auburn's 12 losses in 13 games and the uncertainty surrounding where the program is headed from fans, Auburn head coach Tony Barbee said he's not focused on the frustration of this SEC season as the Tigers get ready to host Vanderbilt at 8 p.m. Saturday night in Auburn Arena.

"My focus is on getting this team better and these individuals better," Barbee said. "That's where my focus is. I try not to look at the big picture and let it get you frustrated."

What has been frustrating is Auburn's inability to build on momentum.

After a five-game stretch immediately after Christmas when it looked like the Tigers were taking a step forward, Auburn failed to capitalize on the momentum, and the same thing happened after Auburn beat Alabama on Feb. 6 to snap the losing streak.

Not enough of the good is carrying over from game to game.

"Last year's team, if you gave them something individually, they weren't making those same mistake one month, two months later," Barbee said. "This group, across the board -- not so much with the older guys -- we're having to rehash things we taught in August, September, October. That's the frustration part."

At the beginning of the season, Barbee thought the team's improved athleticism and depth was a harbinger of a better performance in SEC play, something he still believes the Tigers can capture if they find some momentum down the stretch.

But a group of five newcomers has been beset by injuries and ineffectiveness that has kept them from continuing momentum.

"With some of our young guys, we always knew it was going to be a process because of some of the learning curve, but that's with most young guys today," Barbee said.

Now, it's a matter of getting Auburn's returning players ready for next season by focusing on taking steps as the SEC season winds down and Auburn plays in the SEC Tournament.

For Auburn to emerge from this, the Tigers have to start carrying over lessons from game to game.

"We try to, as a staff and as coaches, make these guys understand how important it is, it is as important to be a fantastic athlete or a great jump-shooter or a great passer or a great rebounder as it is to be the smartest player on the floor," Barbee said. "It's a skill you can develop and you work on."

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